My diary about my life as a writer with a day job, entrepreneur, reader, health enthusiast, and runner; random thoughts, new discoveries and whatever else that keeps me in the throes of everlasting procrastination.

Thursday, January 31, 2008

I had to suddenly take a little time off. I experiences two lives cut short, way before their time. My nephew at 15 months and a fellow biker who died of a heart attach at 26. Things like this can cause you to be very reflective. We all expect to see death and know we're going to experience death. But when we see it before we think it's time and we don't understand why, we can spend much time wondering and thinking about it. With each passing, expected, or unexpected, it draws my thoughts closer to my family and friends. I mentally went through the list of people I haven't talked to in a while because I've been busy and vowed to touch base periodically. It made me reflect even more on my purpose and doing what I want to do. It made me change my schedule. Yes, since I've gotten my body adjusted to the new sleeping schedule, I still get up at 3AM, but I'm putting writing first. :-) And I'm working out in the afternoon. I'm on track.

And the workout is working. Yay! This morning was my first weigh in and I lost pounds and inches. Getting ready for summer! :-) The clothes are loosening up again and I'm motivated to keep on going. And, of coiurse, this time, I'm promising myself that once I get where I want to be, I'm going to maintain and get out of that circle of losing it for the summer, then gaining it back in the fall. LOL

Great news!!!!! Someone enjoyed my artlcle writing at Urbanburnout.com so much that he recommended me to his friend, the publisher of The Black Biker Magazine. It started out as a West Coast mag, went national, and now he just got national distribution and is looking for another writer. He said he LOVED my writing and wanted me to write for his mag. I'm so excited!!!! It's quarterly, so my first article should appear in it in the June issue. It really feels great to be able to combine my first loves: writing and riding. Now, gotta work on getting a new bike that I can lower so I don't have to ride in 5 1/2-inch stillettos! :-)

Hey check out my post on January 30th on Blogging In Black. Yesterday, I wrote about Honing Your Craft. Hope you enjoy it. :-)

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

The last few days have been rough. I've been attempting to rearrange my internal clock to better achieve my goals. I've decided to workout first thing in the morning before work, then go to work, then spend the evenings reading and writing. With me already leaving at 5:45AM to go to work, and it usually taking me an hour to get ready for work, it's been like having jet lag. And in addition to that, I'm not one to wake up and just hop out of bed (only weird people like my coworker do that, lol). I have to slowly come into the morning to greet the world with a smile. LOL Seriously. Whatever time I need to get up, I set the alarm 45 minutes prior to "wake up" time and snooze every 15 minutes. So, my alarm goes off three time for me to "wake up." Now, once we reach that point, I get up and make coffee, light incense and get back in bed until the coffee's done. Yes, those additional two minutes are important to the morning wake up process. Then, I get up, make a cup of coffee, and mediate while it cools. I drink coffee while browsing emails, and then, finally, I can actually get up. :-) So, with me now adding a 30 - 45 minute workout before work, I'm getting up at 3AM.

Now, in order for me to get up at 3AM and make through the entire day without biting somebody's head off, I must,.. I say, I MUST, get at least eight hours of sleep. I know some go-getters can survive off 4, 5, or 6 hours of sleep. My body don't play that. LOL So I'm trying to train my body to go to sleep at 7PM. Not an easy thing to do. And it strange because I'm thinking if I get up at 3AM, come 5, 6, or 7PM, I'd be dog tired. But not so. I can feel fatigue in my body, but the mind is alert. So I'm trying sleep aids for the moment. The package said they're not addictive and I'm counting on that. :-)

On the upside, I'm loving getting my workout in first thing in the morning. Because then, it's done and I don't have to feel bad about skipping because work made me to tired or I just plain don't feel like it. And after work, I can just concentrate on writing. When I'm able to train my body to go to sleep on time, I think I'm going to love this schedule.

Sunday, January 13, 2008

I had a great time yesterday. Went bowling with my Stunnas Motorsports Club members and had a nice and relaxing time. Yes, I had to answer to all the tough texting I did, but secretly, they love it. LOL The fact that I honestly don't know what I bowled should say a lot about my score. But it didn't matter. It was nice to get out and have fun. Now, I got up, went to the gym, got my writing in, then spent a few hours bowling. Came home and did some reading before drifting off to sleep, so I felt it was a productive day.

I recently posted an article about what bikers do over the winter. Over the winter, and actually even in the riding season, my bike club members typically do stuff like this. We go out to dinner together on on occasional Fridays and other group things. One of the things that I have found funny since being in a bike club is the GREAT misconceptions about bike clubs from the general public. When I tell people I'm in a bike club, the typical response is, "YOU???!!!" and "You don''t LOOK like a biker," or "You don't ACT like a biker." Whenever I receive this response, I ask about their opinions of bikers. And all the time, I get motorcycle gang images fed back to me. Like Hell's Angels and outlaw bikers. I get sleezy, slutty women, who are rough, bisexual/lesbians who can take a bullet easily, are tatted up with piercings out wazoo, and can drink like a fish. Uh, no. LOL

But you know, I understand the thought. Pretty much all biker movies show this image. And with the exception of a biker charity ride or two, the media does seem to only show bikers speeding, dying, or otherwise behaving negatively. Yeah, it does happen. The stereotypes do exist, but not to the degree that people think (which seems to be 100% unless they actually know a biker). The bike community now is so mixed. It's more mixed and more of a "melting pot" than America herself. You have all nationalities, economic status and backgrounds, educational bacgrounds, professionalisms, spiritual beliefs, etc. And generally, they get along. The iron (motorcycle) is common bond between them. Yes, you can look and easily find the thugs and sluts, but actually, more prevalent now are doctors, lawyers, engineers, managers, husbands, wives, etc. Professional people with a passion for riding and enjoying life.

Bike clubs are surrogate families. I suspect that because of the risk involved in riding, bikers are usually close. They greet and part with warm hugs. They look out for one another. They value life and every single breath. No one will verbally say it, but you never know if it's the last tiime you will see that person. It's how we should behave with our blood relatives and friends. They keep in touch on a daily or near daily basis. They encourage and help each other.

Now, I don't mean to glorify bikers like they're all perfect. Like I said, clubs are like typical families so you do get arguments, fights, jealousies, tantrums, etc. And it's still an organization made up of different people with different ideas. Because of that, it possibly could be more difficult to come of one accord if your bike club is made up of all these differences. But typically, one club will be comprised of members of similar agendas. Much like political parties. LOL

But all this to say....look to the left of you, then look to the right. Do this at work, at church, in your professional organizations, etc. Chances are, one or more of these people are bikers. LOL

Saturday, January 12, 2008

It was a busy week. Had a few non-job, non-writer things going on, but I got through them, AND STILL wrote. Yay! At this point, if I'm able to write for an hour during the week, I'm satisfied. My biggest writing times are the weekends. Fridays are my off-days. No writing (unless I'm just dying to), no working out. Fridays after work are now for going out with the team, going out with the club, going somewhere to read, or like last night, going home to sleep. LOL I think I went to bed at about 8PM last night. I know. Single and such a bore. LOL

So I'm very much alert this morning and I'm about to go to the gym, then to Panera's to write. After that, my motorcycle club is going to hangout and go bowling. And before then, I have to prepare my excuses as to why they're beating me badly. See, at everything, I have a tendency to do much trash talking behind my Mogul. I text them about being punks and how my skills (at whatever) are more superior and that basically, there is no reason for them to go on living because they will never measure up to me. You know, something like that. You name it, basketball (well, I did play for two years in highschool....pont guard), football (I have Poweder Puff experience), baseball (I worked at Busch Stadium during baseball season back in the day), bowling (uh....I dreamed a high score????), pool (sat my ass on a pool table once and absorbed skills through osmosis), etc.

Wednesday, January 09, 2008

I do a little freelancing and my latest motorcycle community article just posted on Urbanburnout.com. Visit the FEATURES page to read the rest!

Winter Bikerland

“The weather outside is frightful,” begins the winter classic song that urges the skies to let it snow. But snow and the bitter cold weather that comes this time of year in the northern states leaves the average biker with a dismal feeling. For most, it equates to the winter ritual of properly preparing their bike for at least three months of hibernation while the biker waits with much anxiety for spring to break.

So what’s a biker to do over the winter? Invite the homies over for egg nog while wiggling and warming their toes by the fire? Whip out the Scrabble board to partake in a game or two while loading up on hot chocolate with marshmallows? Or do they sit and stare at their garaged bike, hoping, wishing, and waiting? I pondered the thought and decided to throw out the question to find out just exactly what the two-wheeled road warriors and bike clubs do over the bitter cold winter months.

Sunday, January 06, 2008

Okay, I guess I can't put it off any longer. It's the end of the first week of January. So, no matter how much of a procrastinator I am, I have to admit, it's time to take down the tree. Uh, or rather, in my case, time to put the tree away on the top shelf of the closet. LOL I loved this custom made tree. My coworker makes themed tabletop Christmas trees as a hobby and made one for me with motorcycles. Little Suzuki 600's in every color. My kind of tree. :-)

Well, it's official. The race is on. I broke down and called my agent yesterday. Well, let me rephrase. I texted my agent yesterday. I had been avoiding this for months because I knew I we would get into the status of the completion of book three, which is not complete, even though we talked about it last year this time. So, I texted and she immediately called me back. Like in two minutes. Oh...joy. Isn't it great to have an agent with immediate response? I mean, like, real IMMEDIATE? Great. Sigh. LOL

I jest.

So, she called me back in like 2.4 seconds and it turns out she could tell I had a lot going on and was giving me time. See, she was/is a writer as well and understands how life can get in the way. And she could tell, from what I submitted, that I didn't have the time to focus on my book. We agree that it's a great story, but hey, what I turned in just truly sucked big time. Being the agent that she is, she didn't say that, but stated that it "needed to be developed." No, it SUCKED Jenoyne. Say it! Say it! IT SUCKED!

But anyway, she actually proceeded to share with me some exciting news that I hope to be able to blog about this month. Details are not complete yet so I have to wait. But we talked about projects going out and agreed that I should have book three finished by the end of February. So, it's a little different now. Yes, I set a deadline for myself for this same date, but it's different when it becomes an actual deadline. But, now, since I'm already writing and the character sketches and chapter-by-chapter outline is complete, I don't feel rushed. But it does mean I need to write everyday. So, another excuse to put off socializing until Spring! :-)

Saturday, January 05, 2008

I sleep with the TV on (a necessity. can't sleep in silence) and every station I turn to is about Britney Spears most recent breakdown or drug excursion and I want to scream. But I'm comforted by the reports of the Iowa caucus and the talk about the New Hampshire primaries. Soothing, :-)

Well, I finished the audio of The Price of a Child. It really wasn't for me. I never got a feel for the time frame, setting, the characters or the plot. It was kind of strange to me. Because it was set in the 1850's, yet it seemed like modern times. The main character had just obtained her freedom, and immediately went on to live a normal life makinng speeches against slavery. This is where I become a little perplexed. Because my expectations would be that the main character would have some emotional issues, some slavery to freedom adjustments, some hesitations about living free, etc. But no. So, I question myself a little as to am I mentally trying to write the story and I'm dissatisfied because the characters didn't act the way I wanted to? Or is it really that the characters are unbelievable to me? Where's the line? I think I'm just becoming more cautious of calling a book bad, and if I do, really looking at the reasons why I would think that way. Is it the book or is it me?

I mentioned reading even more before and how it help with motivation to write. One thing I noticed as well is my change in what I think about books or what I consider a good book. And how it's different for everybody, I've noticed where a book could be touted as a bestseller or even other readers give it glowing reviews (in discussion groups, not Amazon reviews), and it does absolutely nothing for me. And vice versa, there will be books that others "toss across the room," and I absolutely love it. Being a writer, it makes me reflect more on the impossibility of pleasing ALL readers with one book. I knew this to be true even before I started writing. But the more knee deep in reading and writing I get, the more I realize it. And I hope it translate to my feelings not being hurt in the future if readers don't enjoy my books. lol

I've also moved to the notion that if I don't enjoy a book, it doesn't necessarily make it a bad book, just one that I don't particularly care for. But others might.

Guess I'm feeling a little reflective this morning. :-) Got a long day ahead. Yeah, I know it's Saturday. But I'm on my way to the gym with the hundreds of other folks to start on the resolution of getting fit. Need to get there early for a parking space so I won't have to WALK to the gym door. LOL Just kidding. Then need to work on my article for Urbanburnout.com. Just finished and posted my #1 Stunna article a couple of days ago. Then, of course, work on book 3. And I want to go to the store to find some sugar free hot chocolate so I can finish up the night reading in bed. I'll start socializing next weekend. LOL

Thursday, January 03, 2008

I've been mulling over what resolutions I want to make this year. I like resolutions, as I believe they help me to focus on things I want to improve. I don't have any bad habits that I want to break, but there are things I'd like to do better. My resolutions are social. I think it's high time that I move beyond the phone with the texting and emailing, and actually...help me...actually TALK to my friends. Ahhhh. There. I said it. TALK. Last time I checked, I did about 3500 texts a month. Okay, I'm not going go overboard and say I want to reduce the amount of texting I do, but I want to start adding in actual conversations. At least 10 minutes. At least on the weekends. Hey, it's a start!

And I'm going to try to socialize more. I doubt I'll ever be a social butterfly. I'm a private person and I have no desire for that. But I can afford to loosen up a bit, approach others and strike up a conversation, and heck, maybe even accept an invitation to go out once in awhile. LOL

In addition to my resolutions, I do have things on my "to do" list for the year. Of course, writing. I'd like to complete 2 novels, tidy up my current short stories as well as write one more. At the end of last year, I started reading/writing on a daily basis again and I'd like to keep it up.

I'd like to take off 15 pounds. This was slated for last year, and I achieved it, but, of course, I gained ten back at the end of the year. At this rate, I'll meet and maintain my goal by 2011. LOL

And I believe this will be the year that I actually go skydiving. It's been on the list for more than 5 years now. But now, I think I finally have the time and I got buddies. I'm going with my office mates! We're planning on June. :-) I'll be sure to post the video. ;-)

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

Back from Atlanta! Had a great time bringing in the New Year with friends. The drive was pretty cool too. Devil in a Blue Dress was a great road story. I'm still listening to The Price of a Child. Although I'm going to finish it to the end, I'm not too crazy about it. I can't get a feel for the characters or the time frame. It's supposed to be set in the 1850's and the main character obtains her freedom when her master passes through Philadelphia and she ends up leaving her newborn, who is still at home on the plantation. But the characters speak perfect English (better than some kids today), I can't get a feel of the time frame from the story, and I don't feel any emotion. The story is a little flat to me. But, I'm going to stick it out since it's audio.

Resolutioin time! Yes, I do make resolutions. I'm still mulling them over, so I'll be back to jot them down. Fun, fun! :-)

Cherlyn

About Cherlyn

Cherlyn Michaels is the author of Counting Raindrops Through a Stained Glass Window (Hyperion Books, 2005) and First Fridays (Hyperion Books, 2007). Cherlyn resides in Georgia where she works as an Engineer. She is currently working on her third novel and other writing projects.